The National tribune., 1887-10-06
rnE NATIoNAL ENcAMrMENr.

EncampmenL
In the character and ability of its mem
ber it was the peer Of any assemblage in
the history of the country. Men who had
commanded great armies, men who had gov
erned rich and populous States, men who
had presided over both Houses Of Congress,
men who are now at the head OF important
commercial and industrial establishments
sat in it as plain comrades" and took a
deep interest IN iis proceedings. At one
time a former Speaker Of the House of Rep
resentativos, leading member Of the same
body, two ex-Governors Of States, and
former Vice President Of the United States
addressed the chair in succession on point
Of order. Among the delegates were nearly
a score Of members Of the present Congress,
while men who are prominent in every walk
of life were numerous. But whatever a
man had been during the war; or since, he
took his place in perfect equality and fra
ternity alongside Of the private who COM
manded nothing but Springfield rifle, cali
ber 55, during the war. He felt that il was
good TO be there, for he was in company TO
which no wealth, no social position, no politi-
cal honors could secure admission.
The deliberations of the body were wor-
thy of its membership and of its representa-
tive capacity. Every question brought be-
fore il was considered on the highest plane
Of patriotism, honor and worldly wisdom,
and decided that way. There was no ap-
peal to prejudice, to selfish interest, or any
lower motive IL was all that should be
expected from men who had held honor and
country dearer shan life.
The results will give the highest satisfac'
tion to the great body Of veterans and to the
people who are interested in them. The De-
pendent, or rather Disability Pension Bill
was reaffirmed by an almost unanimou:
voice. The strongest advocates of service
pension said specifically that they favored
the principle of the bin and wanted it made
the law of the land. The expression in IA
vor Of the bill was so strong and so unani
nous that ii cannot help having the best eff
feet upon Congress.
Upon the matters which have been in con
troversy between the comrades and tn,
President, The Encampment spoke with th'
dignity and decision fitting its charactel
and position. BY its positive approval
of the pension and flag resolution
il disapproved of the Presidents cours'
with emphasis, and without dissent
ing voice, and yet did not allow itself Il
indulge in any form of verbal denunciation
The representative body of the entire mas
of soldiers had dignity 10 maintain, whicl
nothing must be allowed TO jeopardize.
The same wisdom was shown in the Sc
lection Of officers for the ensuing year. Then
were several comr4des Of the highest &c
ceptability TO all the comrades nominate'
for Commander-in-Chief ANY one Of then
would have made a Commander-in- Chic
such as all could have been proud Of TIL
choice among them was determined b.
special, and, let us hope, temporary reasons
and all who are familiar with the situation
will agree that the Encampment under til
circumstances acted with the highest wisdom
Commander-in-Chief Rea is a man Of fin
military record, and most creditable caree
since the war. His private character
spotless. His abilities are such that he ha
been repeatedly elected to honorable jud
cial positions by vote which retained a
the members Of his own party, and attracte
TO il large numbers from the other pariie
At his last election he polled the solid vot
Of the Republican party, while he receive
the greater part of the Democratic vote
, sual qualities and character. He will Civ
, the GAR. safe, conservative, entirel
creditable administration, keeping it car
fully in the channel through which il hi
been wisely steercd by his immediate pr
decessors, and adding fresh impetus TO ii
wonderful growth that it is now experien
ing.
COmmander-in-Chief Reas associates
the administration viii be efficient in al,
ing TO make his administration a success.
Senior Vice Commander-in-C Chief Cole is
business and executive man Of unusual C
pacity. No man in ST. Louis stands high,
II socially or commercially, and he is devot'
GAR man.
Junior Vice Commander Linehan is know
a 10 all the comrades by his work on the n
tional Pension Committee, and as one of Il
managers Of the great Reunions which tai
place every year AT Weirs, n. II. In the
l. capacities, as in the management of priva
Z business, he has shown ability and steadfai
d ness of purpose which win success.
y DIR. Florence DOnOhue, Of Washington,
y C., was fighting soldier in the ranks OF
;" well-known fighting regiment Since {
war he has studied medicine and become